Privacy firm DuckDuckGo launches App Tracking Protection for Android

Privacy firm DuckDuckGo launches App Tracking Protection for Android in beta
November 19, 2021
https://www.neowin.net/news/privacy...-app-tracking-protection-for-android-in-beta/

DuckDuckGo: Introducing App Tracking Protection for Android: The easiest way to block trackers lurking in your apps

 

It sounds interesting, but like BlackFog Privacy for Android, "[...], there’s the fact that it sets up a local VPN connection to work".

 

yep. i'd rather use ag and its fw and decide for myself what to block and what not.

 

That's a very expensive app!
Here is what I did for my wife's (and my) iphone/s.
I've got a very good deal on Yodata VPN - lifetime for pennies.
I've tried it for Windows computers - Nothing good, nothing interesting, but...
Just recently, I've installed Yodata on my families' iphones, and I like it.
It works perfectly - with my home or any wi-fi conectioins, or with a cell connection. It's encrypted, it's private.
Everyday, I check for any leaks, any issues with Yodata. So far, no problems.
No significant speed drop while using that encrypted VPN app.

 

Thanks, I might actually install this app. Great idea from DuckDuckGo, let's hope it works.

 

I tried it, but…
DuckDuck is gathering way too much information about you. DDG is following every step you take on the Internet.

But of course, it’s very private and very secure (lol), and it’s for free.
I have removed it.

 

I use a privacy-focused DNS over TLS on Android, which blocked in-app ads when I tested it and should block many trackers as well. It costs nothing and can be changed easily at any time.
Example: https://docs.usableprivacy.com/updns

 

BlackFog Privacy isn't a VPN but has to set a local VPN connection on Android to work.

 

Weird, this would defeat the purpose, but it's a matter of trust I guess.

 

..., but they said, "It's all very private. And we gather that humongous amount of your information - just because..."
LOL.

 

Even with this?
https://duckduckgo.com/privacy#s3

 

Make a test:

https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/

 

Yes, that's what they say, "It's very private".

 

I really don't understand what the problem here is

 

There is no problem.
It's just a fact that DuckduckGo is collecting so much information about one's browsing history.

From the DuckDuckGo web-site.

"Global Privacy Control (GPC)
Your data shouldn't be for sale. At DuckDuckGo, we agree. Activate the "Global Privacy Control" (GPC) settings and we'll signal to websites your preference to:

Not sell your personal data.
Limit sharing of your personal data to other companies."

In short.
Please, please web-sites,

Do not sell any personal data (WHAT?).

Please, please, please LIMIT that sharing.

..., but...

" most websites won't recognize it yet, but we're working hard to ensure it becomes accepted worldwide. "


Now.
My browsers are set to inform web-sites about "Do not track me", plus, that DDG is "enforcing it", but...

Cover your tracks is telling me that

Our tests indicate that you have strong protection against Web tracking, though your software isn’t checking for Do Not Track policies.

 

some people really should switch off internet. omg

DDG is collection nothing*, it sends only a signal to other pages not to gather information about user. for donottrack signal most servces are ignoring it.

GPC obeying providers
https://globalprivacycontrol.org/orgs#Business

what DDG in fact collects is written here as linked
https://duckduckgo.com/privacy

probably you did, and i did.

 

Amusingly, it doesn't detect that I'm using an ad blocker, but it says I'm unique (canvas fingerprint, etc.). Bromite browser has anti-fingerprinting techniques built-in, but I still prefer Kiwi for usability.

 

To sum up.

And Facebook, and Google, and Microsoft, etc... - all of them are "SECURE" saving all your information.

LOL!!!

I think we are arguing about "Do you care or not if...."

 

Yeah. AdGuard for Android Premium does it all with a lifetime license for just a few bucks.

I've been using two licenses for years on a Galaxy 10" Android 9 tablet and on three google phones (so far), currently Android 11.

My browser is byteman's XBrowser without its resident adblocker.

AdGuard filters: Base, Mobile Ads, Tracking Protection, URL Tracking, Social Media, Online Malicious URL, NoCoin, Annoyances, Web Annoyances Ultralist. While the ubiquitous adblock filters (Easy, Fanboy, et al.) can be selected, I've found the AdGuard products to be superb, on the devices devices and PCs.

In a Just-To-Be-Sure scheme, I added my own ||domain.com^ blocks for facebook, twitter, instagram and a few others.

Stealth mode, High. Ultimate was too intrusive for my mobile use. Using the Custom setting is way above my pay grade.

Phishing and malware protection - ON.

I manage DNS using the AdGuard DNS filter, on top of Cloudflare DoH, along with a user filter, ||graph.facebook.com^ based on a posting in the AdGuard (I think) forum.

As for the firewall, my app tweaks have been developed over those years of use. But the overall majority are either no cellular or Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi only, with about 99% set for no cellular or Wi-Fi data "when the screen is off." And Chrome 100% blocked.

 

it can only detect that something is blocking its tests, it showed me same
coveryourtracks.eff.org

this one
https://browserleaks.com/canvas

i have removed any canvas blocker in firefox (not in chromium), because firefox already has a simple canvas blocker (chrome has not). canvas faking is ok, but blocking can have disadvantage.

it is possible to limit any browser, in special firefox most, to its elemental functions. the skill is to balance filters and functions - the more i filter the more i am unique with a lower number.

PS Adguard Premium also working here, and it has some more features than only tracking blocker.

 

I agree. "Privacy" protection, anti-tracking, fingerprinting etc. is blown way out of proportion, especially on security forums. Some anti-tracking and of course adblocking to reduce annoyances, yes.

 

Bumper sticker, t-shirt...

My Browser Has a Unique Fingerprint

 

thanks, @Surt . good post. do you have any extensions enabled?

 

I use the following (on Firefox) add-ons:

Privacy Possum;
Privacy Badger;
uBlockOriginal;
Disconnect;
LocalCDN;
ClearURL's;
UltraBlock.
Canvas Fingerprint Defender

Too many?

 

Well if it were me I would ditch them all except UBO.